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Agriculture

Drones altering farming forever

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) estimates that between 1.6 and 1.8 million small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) will be registered for recreational use by the end of 2024. Thanks to their advanced technology and extensive use in various industries, the United States leads the worldwide market for drones. Many industries use UAVs or, as they’re more commonly called, drones. The list continues to grow from Amazon and Walmart deliveries to construction, conservation, utility companies, and, of course, the military. When one thinks of agriculture, it brings up thoughts of ...

Juniata County Farm Bureau announces Kids Safety Contests in three categories

MIFFLINTOWN — The Juniata County Farm Bureau is announcing its annual Kids Safety Contests. (Coloring, poster, and video categories). Ages are based on these three categories and are not limited to children or grandchildren of Farm Bureau members, but must be a Juniata County resident. One entry per person. Juniata County will choose three winners per age category, offering cash prizes. The first place in each category will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau contest. Winners in the state contest will be announced in the Grassroots Advocate section of Positively ...

Advanced Beef Cattle Nutrition course upcoming

UNIVERSITY PARK — Advanced cattle feeders and consulting nutritionists who would like to learn more about feeding beef cattle may want to attend the Advanced Beef Cattle Nutrition course, hosted by Penn State Extension. The workshop will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16, in the Founders Lounge of the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State’s University Park campus. This event is targeted at practicing nutritionists who work with producers to feed beef cattle. Discussions will focus on fed cattle for beef production. The workshop will cover topics such as protein contributions and ...

Juniata County Dairy Miss offers healthy calf pointers

Hello, my name is Natalee Zug. I am 12 years old and a Juniata County Dairy Miss. I live on my family’s dairy farm in Van Wert. On our farm, and on most farms, cows give birth to a calf every fourteen months. For two or three months before giving birth, the cow rests and does not produce milk. Before giving birth to a calf, the pregnant cow is housed in a pen filled with soft dry bedding such as straw, sand or sawdust. She is given individual care and attention. During the birth, farmers and their employees keep a close eye on the animals to ensure a healthy birth. Calves are ...

USDA’s FSA loan programs available to assist farmers

MIFFLINTOWN — Robert E Zeigler Jr., farm loan manager for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Juniata/Mifflin/Perry/Dauphin County, reminded producers recently that FSA has funding reserved specifically for use by Targeted Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers. These loan programs are designed to help farmers purchase and operate family farms. “With these loan programs, FSA hopes to help reverse the declining number of farmers and ranchers across the United States and especially here in Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Dauphin County,” Zeigler said. “These loans help to encourage and ...

$4.8M funding opportunity for Pennsylvania’s food supply chain

​HARRISBURG — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has invited applications for $4.8 million in federally funded grants to purchase equipment needed to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain – between the farm field and the consumer’s table. Funds are part of $26 million awarded to Pennsylvania through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, which aims to boost capacity to meet food supply needs in grocers, restaurants, and institutions like schools, hospitals, and universities. Pennsylvania leads the nation in sales ...